The Federal Government reaffirmed its resolve to lead efforts that mitigate environmental risks and protect the wellbeing of all Nigerians.
The Federal Government has reiterated its strong commitment to addressing the severe and recurring impacts of flooding and desertification across Nigeria. This renewed pledge also underscores the government’s broader objective of safeguarding lives, protecting property, and preserving national infrastructure.
This assurance was conveyed in a statement issued on Tuesday by Segun Imohiosen, Director of Information and Public Relations at the Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (OSGF).
According to the statement, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Senator George Akume, made the remarks during a high-level strategic meeting with Honourable Ministers and Chief Executive Officers of key Ministries, Departments, and Agencies (MDAs) involved in climate and disaster management.
Speaking through the Permanent Secretary of the General Services Office, Dr. Nnamdi Maurice Mberi, the SGF noted that the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is fully engaged in collaborative efforts across all levels of government to tackle the growing challenges posed by climate change.
“This administration is particularly focused on addressing the menace of flooding and related environmental threats such as desertification,” Akume stated. “President Tinubu remains steadfast in his resolve to implement lasting and effective measures to reduce their impact on our communities.”
Akume emphasized the need for enhanced cooperation and coordinated action among relevant government agencies, calling for the development and implementation of sustainable strategies that directly address the root causes and effects of these environmental hazards. He also highlighted the importance of inter-agency synergy and real-time data sharing to ensure well-informed decisions and impactful outcomes.
During the meeting, heads of various agencies provided updates on their preparedness and ongoing initiatives:
The Minister of Environment, Balarabe Abbas Lawal, represented by Usman Bokani, Director of Erosion, Flood, and Coastal Zone Management, disclosed that 22 communities have been equipped with automated flood early warning systems. He also noted the creation of local flood vanguards to help monitor high-risk areas and report potential flood threats.
National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA): Director General, Dr. Matthew Adepoju, explained that NASRDA is employing geo-spatial technologies to monitor water levels in the Lagdo Dam in Cameroon—a key contributor to flooding in Nigeria. The monitoring aims to improve forecasting and early warning capacities.
Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA): Director General, Dr. Umar Ibrahim Mohammed, stated that NIHSA works closely with the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) to develop seasonal outlooks and flood forecasts. He also highlighted the agency’s risk communication system designed to engage and educate grassroots communities on flood risks.
Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet): Professor Charles Anosike, Director General and CEO of NiMet, affirmed the agency’s ability to deliver real-time weather updates and flood warnings. He mentioned several key tools used by the agency, including the Seasonal Climate Prediction (SCP), flash flood risk mapping, and quarterly climate bulletins addressing both drought and flooding.
National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA): Represented by Dr. Onimode Bandele, Director of Planning, Research, and Forecasting, the Director General of NEMA, Mrs. Zubaida Umar, assured the public of the agency’s preparedness to deliver emergency relief materials to communities affected by flooding, emphasizing the agency’s operational readiness and proactive planning.
The meeting concluded with a unified call for continued inter-agency cooperation, community engagement, and the deployment of innovative technologies to enhance national resilience against climate-related disasters. The Federal Government reaffirmed its resolve to lead efforts that mitigate environmental risks and protect the wellbeing of all Nigerians.